Bears set 53-man roster — for now

Next few days could bring turmoil as free agents such as Okoye become available

August 31, 2012|By Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune reporter

The Bears are expected to re-sign defensive tackle Amobi Okoye after he was released by the Buccaneers. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Tribune Photo)

The Bears wanted to bring Amobi Okoye back after last season but couldn't get a deal done to prevent him from bolting for the Buccaneers.

Now, they're adding him just in time for Week 1, provided a bothersome knee checks out in a physical that is expected to be performed Saturday. The Bucs cut Okoye loose after he struggled staying on the practice field for them following arthroscopic knee surgery in June.

According to an NFL source, he will sign a one-year contract with the Bears for the minimum if their medical staff checks off on the knee. That would give the defense a proven performer at a position that has been a question mark, particularly with Stephen Paea sidelined since suffering an ankle sprain Aug. 11. Paea is expected to return to practice next week and now Okoye will give coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli a familiar option coming off a year in which he participated in 55 percent of the defensive snaps and had four sacks.

If the Bears add Okoye they will need to clear a roster spot a day after making moves to reach the 53-man limit. That is the cruel reality of this weekend for players at the bottom of the roster who survive "final" cuts one day only to be zapped the next.

None of the moves made Friday were stunning but two players who had big offensive games in a 28-20 victory Thursday against the Browns in Cleveland were let go.

Veteran quarterback Josh McCown had his contract terminated and running back Armando Allen was waived. So, the Bears will go with two quarterbacks on the roster for the first time since 2009 with Jay Cutler and Jason Campbell. The club will sign Matt Blanchard to the practice squad Saturday, according to a source.

The Bears cut a pair of draft picks as cornerbacks Isaiah Frey and Greg McCoy were placed on waivers. It was notable the team gave up on both the sixth- and seventh-round picks, a departure from tendencies in the Jerry Angelo era. Instead of being forced to cut fullback Tyler Clutts, the Bears found a trading partner. He was dealt to the Texans for cornerback Sherrick McManis, a former Northwestern standout Houston drafted in the fifth round in 2010. McManis projects to be a special teams addition.

"I am really happy to come back home to play for the home team," the Peoria Richwoods grad said. "I'm going to give them everything I've got and show them I was well worth getting. Trades don't happen that often and I am very appreciative for the opportunity to go to Chicago."

Veteran defensive end Chauncey Davis had his contract terminated after Cheta Ozougwu outperformed him in preseason. Ozougwu had a sack against the Browns and was consistent rushing the passer through summer with a quick first step.

Defensive tackle Nate Collins was moved to the reserve/suspended list to serve a one-week punishment. He does not count against the roster but a decision will have to be made on him after the season opener. Wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher made the roster as expected and safety Jeremy Jones and linebacker Patrick Trahan stuck after nice games in Cleveland. Punter Ryan Quigley remains on the roster with Adam Podlesh still working his way back from a hip injury.

Still, the 53-man roster remains a work in progress and the bottom of it can be turned over quickly.